Equations and Expressions

Objective

By the end of this 15-minute lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand and write simple algebraic expressions
• Solve one-step equations involving addition and subtraction
• Translate verbal phrases into algebraic expressions

Common Core Standards

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.B.6: Use variables to represent numbers and write expressions when solving real-world or mathematical problems.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.B.7: Solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving equations of the form x + p = q and px = q for cases where p, q, and x are nonnegative rational numbers.

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Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Individual dry erase boards and markers for students
• Worksheets with dyslexia-friendly fonts for verbal phrase translation and equations (e.g., Comic Sans or Open Dyslexic font)
• Visual aids with color-coded algebra tiles or counters
• Task cards with simple equations and expressions

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Engage & Activate Prior Knowledge (3 minutes)

• Begin with a simple question: "If I have 3 apples and I get some more apples, how can we write that as a number sentence?"
• Write: 3 + ___ = 7
• Discuss how the blank can be represented by a letter (e.g., x) and what it means.
• Highlight that this letter stands for a number we don't know yet.

Differentiation:

• Use colorful visuals and large print to display the problem.
• Pair students to discuss verbally before writing, supporting ELL and speech needs.

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2. Direct Instruction & Modeling (4 minutes)

• Introduce the concept of an algebraic expression: "A number and a letter combined with a math operation."
• Use algebra tiles or counters to physically represent expressions like x + 3, 5 + x, and 7 - x.
• Show how to solve one-step equations like x + 3 = 7 using balancing scale analogy.
• Model the translation of verbal phrases:
  • "A number increased by 4" → x + 4
  • "Seven less than a number" → x - 7

Dyslexia-friendly tip:

• Use color-coded highlighting on verbal phrase cards to mark important words (e.g., "increased by" in green, "less than" in red).

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3. Guided Practice with Active Participation (5 minutes)

• Distribute individual dry erase boards and present 3 verbal phrase problems one at a time for translation:

  1. "A number decreased by 5"
  2. "Ten more than a number"
  3. "A number plus 8 equals 12"

• After each phrase, students write the expression or equation on their boards.

• Walk around, offer immediate feedback, and provide scaffolding by prompting or showing visuals if needed.

Differentiation:

• Provide a word bank with definitions and corresponding operation signs.
• Allow students to draw pictures or use manipulatives to represent the phrases.

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4. Assessment & Closure (3 minutes)

• Call on 3 volunteers to explain how they translated their phrase or solved the equation.
• Emphasize the language and symbols used, reinforcing connections between verbal expressions and algebraic notation.
• Quick formative check: Present one more equation like x - 2 = 6, and ask students to solve it mentally or with drawings.

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Additional Teacher Notes

• Maintain a calm, clear pace with frequent checks for understanding tailored to special education needs.
• Use positive reinforcement frequently to build confidence.
• For students with dyslexia, read instructions aloud, allow extra time, and break down problems into smaller steps.
• Incorporate kinesthetic activities like moving algebra tiles to engage tactile learners.
• All written materials should use dyslexia-friendly fonts, high contrast visuals, and straightforward language.

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By addressing standards CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.B.6 and B.7 with hands-on materials, visual cues, and differentiated support, this lesson ensures all 6th grade learners in a special education resource setting can grasp the foundations of algebraic expressions and simple equations in 15 impactful minutes.